Moscow︱Moscow Kremlin

Moscow Kremlin

Many will regard the Moscow Kremlin, along with Red Square and Saint Basil's Cathedral next to it, as an iconic representation of Russia. Equivalent to White House of the United States, the Moscow Kremlin has long been symbolising the government of Russia and its power and authority. The Moscow Kremlin, in the same way as the Forbidden City in Beijing, is the most significant museum in Russia and the backbone of the state power. Beside the Moscow Kremlin, there are the mausoleum of national founders, monuments for martyrs and the largest square in Russia.

The Moscow Kremlin has been erected next to the Moskva River since the 14th century as the administrative centre of Russia. The red walls have given the Red Square its colour. Inside the Moscow Kremlin, there are four palaces in pale yellow and four golden-domed cathedrals with white walls. The Kremlin Senate, formerly used for official meetings, now houses the Russian presidential administration. During the Cold War, the administration planned every strategy here for the east side of the Iron Curtain and dozens of communist countries, fighting against the capitalist camp from the west side led by the United States in the war without guns.

The former residence of the tsars is now resided by the Russian president. The Grand Kremlin Palace, just like the Hall of Supreme Harmony of the Forbidden City in Beijing, holds the largest national and diplomatic ceremonies. Similar to the Great Hall of the People for the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the State Kremlin Palace was once the conference venue for the Supreme Soviet. Occasionally, the State Kremlin Palace is also used for art and cultural performances. Even though visitors are strictly forbidden in the Palace, where security is solid, you can still feel the grandeur from its exterior.

In the Moscow Kremlin, you are allowed to visit the cathedrals, the Kremlin Armoury and Diamond Fund. The Kremlin Armoury stores the most precious royal collections for you to understand the affluence of the royal family. In the Diamond Fund, you will be spellbound by the dazzling royal jewels. At the Cathedral Square, you will be surrounded by cathedrals as suggested by their names. Next to you, there are the largest Tsar Bell and Tsar Cannon, convincing you of the greatness of the Russian Empire. The word “tsar”, in this way, becomes the synonym for “greatness beyond imagination”. After appreciating the magnificent wall painting inside the churches, you can visit the Ivan the Great Bell Tower and overlook the entire Moscow Kremlin there. The bell tower is a great destination to take a look of the splendour of the Moscow Kremlin.

After visiting around the Moscow Kremlin, you may continue your journey in the Red Square. Lenin's Mausoleum, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Saint Basil's Cathedral and State Historical Museum are ready to be the storyteller, explaining the history of Russia from an empire to a communist country, and then a republic. Alexander Garden is where you can take a short break. You may also shop till you drop in branded shops in the state-owned department store next to the Red Square.

In winter, the Red Square even has an ice rink for visitors. Walking to the riverside of the Moscow Kremlin, you can see the tallest and largest Orthodox church in the world – the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. The cathedral was once demolished to build the Palace of the Soviets which was intended to be the tallest buildings in the world. Yet, the plan was nipped in the bud. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the church was reconstructed on the site. The series of buildings in the Moscow Kremlin has witnessed the rise and fall of Russia as well as its rebirth. They, together, form the best Russian history book.